1514 Hubbard Street-  “Corner of 5th n’ Hubbard”

Springfield Elementary School, “Mattie V.”, as it has often been called, was one of the first schools of Duval County, Florida. According to the 1987 school listing, the original school building was built in 1898. The current facility has been in operation since it was built in 1912. According to Beth Learn, whose Mother worked with Mrs. Rutherford, she was a strict disciplinarian but a kind soul.   

Mattie Estella Van Sickle Rutherford was born October 12, 1872 in Clinton City, Indiana.  She met and married Robert Burns Rutherford on June 30, 1897 in St. Johns, Florida.  She taught in school # 1 in St. Augustine for a short while. Her husband,  Mr. Rutherford was principal in that “Old Orange Street” school for at least 3 years in the early 1900’s. 

Mattie V. was principal of the Springfield school, later called Mattie V. Rutherford for 34 years with Katharine Bagaley her aide in the mid 1930’s. About 1936, Joan Thomas would hold that position. Over the years there have been other principals:  Nellie Elizabeth Cooke(1890-1959). Juanita Kerce Wilson(1918-2002) who held the position for 17 years,  J. S. Wheatley,  Maurice Nesmith, Sadie Milliner-Smith and others. 

It is said that Mrs. Rutherford served 34 years as school principal and often visited the school after retirement calling it “My School”. When she died on March 16, 1931, she “lay in state” in the auditorium and was later buried at Evergreen Cemetery. 

At present, Mattie V. Rutherford is an “Alternative Education Center”.  

See you tomorrow,

Nan

Sources: Beth Learn, Find a Grave, St. Augustine Schools System, Joel Mceachin; Planning and Development Dept. Duval County, “List of Schools and Year Built”, Florida Memory.

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